Dogs Deserve Better, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to unchaining dogs from the backyard or bringing them into the house and out of pens has scheduled its first ever Chain Off 2003 for August 16.
“Nationwide Chain Off 2003 is a contest where caregivers of chained or penned dogs can win $250 by taking them off chains or out of the pen for the day and sending us before and after pictures,” said founder Tammy Sneath Grimes. “The best picture of the dog off chains or out of the pen will win $250.”
Caregivers have until September 10 to send the pictures via mail to P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684, or email to tammy@dogsdeservebetter.com
“Our sincere wish is that after seeing ‘Fido’ with their heart as well as their eyes, they will know he belongs with the family, his pack, and not left alone in the backyard for life,” Grimes said of the reason for the contest.
Many events have also been planned locally for Chain Off 2003 on August 16 at Legion Park in Hollidaysburg.
Everyone is encouraged to bring their dog on a leash to enjoy a day of fun and entertainment.
At noon, bake sale items, grilled food and refreshments will be sold. Contest sign-ups will also begin at noon.
Anyone with a dog who does pet tricks is welcome to enter their animal into the pet trick contest which begins at 3 p.m.
At 6 p.m. begins the doggy doo bingo contest. Bingo spaces are available for a fee, and to buy tickets call Grimes at 941-7447.
If anyone is interested in registering their pet, up to eight dogs can be registered in the bingo contest.
Guest speakers for the event will begin at 7 p.m., with Grimes starting the program.
Andrea Miller is scheduled to speak in memory of her brother Eric White, who died earlier this year and loved dogs.
He is being honored at this event. Other speakers may be scheduled at a later date.
At 8:30 p.m. starts a candlelight vigil for homeless pets, and at 9 p.m. the ceremony will end with a prayer for chained dogs.
Dogs Deserve Better has been working hard to rescue dogs from the area as well as nationwide. The organization sends letters and emails of information across the United States. Locally, Grimes said the organization has found new homes for 10 dogs and knows of at least six dogs whose caregivers have brought them into the home because of the work of Dogs Deserve Better.
She added besides Dogs Deserve Better, other organizations believe chaining dogs is cruel and inhumane. The United States Humane Society, numerous animal experts, including Dr. Marty Becker DVM, PETA, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which has banned tethering on all its installations, share the same views.
“Rarely does a chained or penned dog receive adequate care,” said Grimes. “Chained dogs suffer due to random feedings, overturned water bowls, inadequate veterinary care, and extreme temperatures. What’s more, due to erratic behavior and the bad smells associated with a dog who’s never been bathed, chained dogs are rarely given even minimal affection.”
If anyone is interested in helping Dogs Deserve Better, there are many ways to do so. People can anonymously email an address to the organization of someone who chains or pens their dog, and Dogs Deserve Better will send that person a letter and a brochure asking them to reconsider their decision to chain or pen the animal.
Grimes said if it is a local dog, members of the organization can try to talk to the owners. They can also try to help with housetraining of the animal, help to purchase a crate for housetraining, and help with the cost of spaying/neutering the dog. Also, the organization can help to find the animal a new home, if that becomes an option.
Other ways to help are to donate time, money, fencing equipment, or help with installing a fence. Fencing is an acceptable method to allow dogs the space and freedom to run around in the yard and interact with the family.
Dogs Deserve Better is starting annual memberships to the organization, which can currently be purchased on the website. Donation of the items for the Chain Off event will also be accepted.
For more information about Chain Off 2003 or for more information about Dogs Deserve Better, contact Grimes by email at www.dogsdeservebetter.com or by phone at 1-877-636-1408 or 941-7447.
